Loading your glow
The complete guide to preparing your skin and protecting your glow — for a deeper colour, flawless finish, and a tan that actually lasts.
If you're waxing or shaving, do it at least 48 hours before your appointment — ideally 24–48 hours. Waxing opens your pores; doing it too close to your tan can cause the solution to absorb unevenly and result in dark dots at the follicles.
This is the single most important step. Use a physical exfoliating mitt or scrub — pay close attention to elbows, knees, ankles, wrists, and any dry patches. Dead skin cells absorb spray tan solution differently, causing patchiness. Do this the evening before, not the morning of, to let your skin settle.
Shower to remove residue — then apply absolutely nothing to your skin. No moisturiser, no body lotion, no deodorant, no perfume, no makeup on the body, no oil-based products of any kind. Any product creates a barrier that prevents even absorption. Arrive with completely clean, dry, product-free skin.
Wear or bring loose, dark clothing to change into after your session. Avoid underwired bras, tight waistbands, and socks. Flip flops are ideal. Dark fabric is recommended as bronzers can occasionally transfer onto lighter material before your first shower.
Pro tip — exclusive to Bronze & Glow: Book a 15-minute red light therapy session immediately before your spray tan and you will notice a genuine difference in your results. Red light at 630–850nm penetrates the skin to boost cellular hydration, improve circulation, and smooth skin texture at a microscopic level — creating an optimal canvas for the VersaSpa Pro solution. The result is more even absorption, deeper colour development, and a tan that lasts noticeably longer.
Our clients who use the combo regularly consistently report tans that look better from day one and fade more gracefully. It's the smart way to tan — and the only studio in Belfast that offers it.
Your first shower should be a lukewarm water rinse only — no soap, no shower gel. This removes the guide bronzer (the surface colour that rinses away) to reveal your developing DHA tan underneath. Don't panic when the water runs brown — that's just the guide colour, not your actual tan.
The most important aftercare step. Dry skin causes tan to fade unevenly and quickly — flaking skin takes your colour with it. Use a generous, fragrance-free, oil-free body moisturiser every day after showering. Apply to damp skin for best absorption. Focus on elbows, knees, ankles, and shins.
Avoid oil-based body washes, exfoliants, loofahs, and products with AHAs or BHAs — these accelerate your skin's cell turnover and strip your tan faster. Choose sulphate-free, tan-safe shower gels and avoid prolonged soaking in hot baths. Short, warm showers are your tan's best friend.
A well-prepped, well-maintained spray tan fades gradually and evenly — it doesn't peel or streak with proper aftercare. Around days 7–10 you'll notice it starting to lighten. When it's time for your next session, exfoliate thoroughly to remove any remaining colour before your new tan goes on — this ensures a fresh, even base every time.